The Benefits of Using an AMEX at Airports

The Amex Platinum Card is widely recognized for offering top-tier travel perks, particularly at airports. If you're someone who travels frequently, especially through busy hubs like LAX, having this card in your wallet can make your airport experience significantly more pleasant.

Here's why:

1. Unmatched Airport Lounge Access

One of the biggest perks of the Amex Platinum Card is its extensive airport lounge access. The card grants you access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges. This benefit is particularly valuable at crowded airports like LAX, where having a quiet, comfortable space to relax can make a world of difference before your flight. Whether you need to catch up on work, enjoy a meal, or simply unwind, the Amex Platinum’s lounge network offers a sanctuary.

2. $200 Airline Fee Credit

Each year, Amex Platinum cardholders receive up to $200 in airline fee credits, which can be used for incidental fees like checked baggage, seat upgrades, or in-flight refreshments. You can select your preferred airline (such as Delta, American Airlines, or United) and apply these credits towards any extra costs that pop up during your travels. This is especially useful if you're frequently flying through LAX, where these incidental fees can add up quickly.

3. CLEAR Plus Membership Credit

In addition to TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credits, Amex Platinum covers the cost of CLEAR Plus membership (up to $199 annually). CLEAR is available at more than 50 airports, including LAX, and allows you to speed through security by using biometric verification like fingerprints or an eye scan. When combined with TSA PreCheck, which the card also reimburses, you can significantly cut down on wait times, making your airport experience smoother from start to finish​

4. 5X Points on Airfare

Amex Platinum shines when it comes to earning rewards. You get 5X Membership Rewards points for flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. If you’re a frequent flyer, this can translate into significant points over time, which you can redeem for future travel. At an airport like LAX, where flights can be frequent and expensive, this earning potential is a fantastic way to make your spending work harder for you.

5. Luxury Travel Benefits

The Amex Platinum also offers a variety of luxury travel perks, including elite status with major hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, and access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which provides benefits like room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and late check-out. This is particularly useful if your travels take you through cities where you want to maximize comfort during long layovers or stays.

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum Card is more than just a credit card—it's a travel tool that can enhance your airport experience from start to finish. Whether you value lounge access, faster security screening, or maximizing rewards on airfare, this card has you covered. While the $695 annual fee is steep, the perks and savings it provides at airports like LAX can easily outweigh the cost if you travel often.